As this time of the year is happening (New Year's resolutions), an idea to transform my life is just another stone thrown into the pond. We all have had those crazy New Year's resolutions in the past, especially the ones that are super non-specific. Yes, lets "be healthy". What does "being healthy" really mean?
I read a news story from the Grand Forks Herald that I can't seem to get out of my mind. A former professor of mine was interviewed about how to set REAL New Year's resolutions. His recommendations: setting one resolution at a time and being specific. He explains that we can't completely redo ourselves or we'll just end up quitting by Valentine's Day.
How do we take this advice and help ourselves to be healthy? Jenny Blake, a life motivator and friend of a friend, says that we have to give ourselves deadlines. Be specific and set deadlines. That actually makes sense. I'm a list person, so listing out my game plan in detail with a time frame sounds like heaven.
Taking this advice, I have a 6 month goal to lose 30 lbs. I know that I need to change my weight. Not because I want to fit into a smaller size, but because I feel so out of touch with my body. I've always been overweight (even as a middle-schooler). My family does not eat well, and I cope with my anxiety, sadness, and stress through food. It's what I've been taught. If there was a problem that my mom couldn't solve in my life, we got a treat. Whether it was a DQ Blizzard or some Dove chocolates, food has always been a sympathetic ear to my troubles.
From today, June 6th is six months away. That's approximately 24 weeks. Which means that I need to lose 1.25 lbs/week. Can it be done? I sure hope so.
This post is called "Taking Ownership" because today is the day when I reclaim my life and own up to my mistakes and sins. I'm not perfect, and losing this weight wont be easy. The first step for me has been coming to terms with the fact that I do eat poorly and self-gratify too much. I do not deserve that chocolate that I want to eat in the middle of the afternoon. I may have a treat if I eat healthy that day or have a social outing. But my body doesn't deserve to get a sugar rush whenever it wants it. My body does, however, deserve to feel nourished and healthy.
I've decided to take up Weight Watchers so that I can track my eating. I'm not trying to jump onto a fad diet or lose a bunch of weight instantly. This will take time, and it come from my eating habits. In January of 2011 I joined Weight Watchers for a 3 month period and lost close to 20 lbs ( if I remember correctly). The only reason I didn't continue with it was that I had zero income as I was an RA in my dorm. I'm praying that God will help me down this path and allow me peace and patience in my food woes.
The Specifics:
- Tracking each item that I consume.
-Working out on Mondays and Wednesdays before work
-Working out on a Tuesday or Thursday after work.
-Working out on a Saturday or Sunday.
-Weekly weigh-ins on Monday mornings at the gym.
-Weekly pictures to show progress.
-New recipes on Sundays for lunches during the week.
I'm still unsure as to whether I feel comfortable sharing my exact current weight online, as it's embarrassing. Maybe after I knock of the first 30, I'll share my new weight.
Prayer: Lord, please help me in my path to feel good about myself. I pray that you continuously force me to claim ownership over my sins and eating, and that you push me towards healthy foods. Please restore yourself in me.
